by PressIn Nigeria, wheat consumption is steadily increasing
Nigeria’s consumption of wheat, rice and other crops will increase
The FAS analysts have estimated the consumption of wheat and other crops in Nigeria for the 2025–2026 season. Experts predict a growth in demand for this type of grain, as well as for corn, rice and sorghum.
FAS expects wheat consumption in the country to increase by 10% to around 6 million tonnes. In Nigeria, 70% of local wheat flour is used for bakery products. The rest is used to make other food products, such as various sweets.
The demand for bread in the country is stable and high. And it has not diminished even after the price of the product was increased last year. This is due to the popularity of bread among the local population. Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa, with a population of 228 million.
It is worth noting that for many Nigerians, bread is a complete meal. In addition, it remains affordable against a backdrop of rising prices for other products due to inflation.
On wheat production, analysts provided the following data:
— crop volumes in 2025–2026 will be 135,000 tonnes;
— production will rise by 13 per cent compared to the previous season;
— the increase in harvest is due to the expansion of cultivated land;
— grain imports will be over 6 million tonnes, up 5% on last year’s results.
Wheat demand will continue to grow in the future. The country’s population is proliferating, leading to higher consumption of the popular grain.
Overview of the consumption of other crops
In addition to wheat, corn consumption is also expected to increase in the country. This is due to lower grain prices as a result of higher production. Analysts forecast that consumption will exceed 12 million tonnes. This figure is 9% higher than the previous season’s results. Farmers are trying to raise corn production, but they are hindered by a rather low grain price.
In the recent past, the country faced a corn shortage. This forced the poultry industry to switch to alternative feeds such as sorghum, cassava and millet. Some consumers have also turned to substitutes.
The rice harvest is expected to fall to 8 million tonnes, 5% below last season’s level. At the same time, imports of the crop will rise by 16% to 6 million tonnes. Higher purchases on the world market will be facilitated by favourable grain prices.
As for rice consumption, it should grow to more than 8 million tonnes. This will be encouraged by lower prices on the domestic market.
In the current season, Nigerian farmers will see a reduction in sorghum production. Harvest will fall by 6% to just over 7 million tonnes. Consumption will increase by 7% to around 7 million tonnes.